Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026
The Best Lake Vacations in the USA
There are few experiences that feel as spectacularly "summer" as sitting on a dock. We love these lakes for swimming, kayaking, sunning and golden hour docktails.
15 things in this story
- Montezuma National Wildlife RefugeNature reservebald eagles rule the roost
- Elsewhere
- Fort TiconderogaAttractionTiconderoga, United StatesIt was constructed between October 1755 and 1757 by French-Canadian military engineer Michel Chartier de Lotbinière,…
- Lake Champlain Maritime MuseumMuseumVergennes, United Statesexplore country's beginnings
- Nina's Sweet ShoppeRestaurantLake George, United Statesice cream shop
- MoosewoodRestaurantIthaca, United Statesnation's longest-running vegetarian restaurant
- Ithaca Beer CoRestaurantIthaca, United Statescraft chemist heaven
- Taughannock Falls State ParkSightIthaca, United States215ft cascade carves through cliffs
- Cayuga Lake Wine TrailPlaceCayuga Lake, United Statestaste riesling, pinot gris, cabernet franc
- Water to WinePlaceCayuga Lake, United Statesboat tour to vintners
- Ludington North Breakwater LightSightLudington, United Statesphotogenic lighthouse
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreSightEmpire, United Statesmagnificent landscape of sand and sky
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine TrailPlaceLake Michigan, United Statestaste wines from glacial soils
- Lake Chelan State ParkSightLake Chelan, United Stateslaunches for motorized and paddle sports
- Don Morse ParkSightLake Chelan, United Stateskid-friendly beach
- Mt IndependenceSightOrwell, United States